Taking melatonin for a long time may signal heart issues. A recent study suggests that people using this popular sleep aid regularly face a heightened risk of heart failure and early death.
Researchers from SUNY Downstate/Kings County examined five years of health records from over 130,000 adults, averaging 56 years old. They found that those taking melatonin for at least a year were nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to non-users—4.6% versus 2.7%. Furthermore, chronic users were three times more likely to be hospitalized for heart issues and nearly twice as likely to die during the study.
Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, who led the study, emphasized the connection between insomnia and heart health. “Insomnia can raise blood pressure and inflammation,” he noted. The findings will be presented at an upcoming American Heart Association meeting but haven’t been published in peer-reviewed journals yet.
While melatonin itself might not cause these problems, needing it regularly could indicate underlying health issues. Dr. Nishant Shah from Duke University cautioned about jumping to conclusions. He mentioned the need for further research to understand if sleep aids truly carry risks.
Heart failure affects nearly 7 million Americans, according to the CDC. Experts agree that more studies are necessary to uncover potential side effects of melatonin. Dr. Martha Gulati from the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute highlighted the importance of understanding supplement risks, saying, “If there is harm from a supplement, it could mean far more than an expensive waste.”
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, is becoming increasingly popular. A 2022 survey by the Sleep Foundation found that around 27% of U.S. adults, and even 4% of kids, use melatonin to aid sleep. However, melatonin isn’t strictly regulated, so the quality and dosage can vary significantly across brands.
Experts recommend that anyone using melatonin long-term should consult their doctor. Marie-Pierre St-Onge from Columbia University highlighted the need for caution, stating that melatonin should not be taken without proper medical advice.
Source link
